Fugitive Arrested, Stolen Motorcycle Recovered after Pursuit

The incident began when Deputy Eaton attempted to stop Berry for a traffic violation in the area of 4th and University Road in Spokane Valley. Berry slowed and pulled in the parking lot of the Valley Transit Center. Berry looked at Deputy Eaton’s fully marked patrol car with the emergency lights on before he began to accelerate. Deputy Eaton activated his siren as Berry drove toward the 4th Street exit of the parking lot. Berry drove around Deputy Keys’ patrol car which was partially blocking the exit with the emergency lights activated.

Both deputies began to pursue Berry southbound on University Road. Deputy Eaton was informed, via his radio, the motorcycle’s license plate returned to a 2011 motorcycle, which did not match the bike Berry was riding. The pursuit ended when Berry drove around the tennis courts at University High School and got stuck in a large depression in the grass field of the school. Berry continued his attempt to avoid capture on foot but was caught by Deputy Keys.

After Berry was taken into custody, a baggie containing a crystalline substance was found inside a plastic container located in Berry’s pants pocket. The substance was field tested which showed a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine.

The deputies learned the motorcycle was reported as stolen in Flathead County, Montana. They found the ignition was severely damaged and the VIN number had been removed from the vehicle. After being advised of his rights, Berry said he ran because he initially did not believe Deputy Eaton and Deputy Keys were police officers, even though they were in fully marked patrol cars and in full uniform at the time.

Berry was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Due to the felony warrant from Montana, Berry could be charged as a fugitive and face extradition back to Montana for a probation violation.